Transparency

When candidates run for a position on their condo board, most of them denounce the lack of information from the board and they promise that when they are elected there will be far more transparency.

Then they get elected.

At the first board meeting, the manager or one of the directors gives  the newly elected directors a Code of Ethics contract to sign which states that none of the directors are to tell the owners much of anything and definitely nothing at all that the board wants to keep secret. There goes his first promise.

It is time to break this cycle of hyprocity. Those Code of Ethics forms should be tossed into the nearest garbage bin until they include clauses saying that all directors will fully comply with the Condo Act and they contain protections for whistle blowers.

Examining corporate records

The owners have the right to examine the corporate records and no obstacles should be put in their way of exercising that right. Looking is free while photocopying charges should never exceed 10 to 15¢ a copy.

Owners attend board meetings
In many American states, owners of condos, and HOAs, have the right to attend board meetings. Condos in Ontario should open their meetings to the owners. Why not? Any and all persons are welcome to sit in the public gallery at our federal parliament, Queens Park and our municipal council meetings.

I can't see any harm that this has caused.

The Kealey Commission back in 1977 recommended that the Act be changed so that owners could attend board meetings. Its report (page 75) states:

"For every board meeting, the owners should be notified of the time and place and be invited to attend, except for discussions of disciplinary actions, when necessary. Such notification not only allows owners to exercise their right to participate, but encourages an atmosphere of open communication, which board members should always strive for."

I know of three condos in Toronto where owners are allowed to observe their board meetings. They are not allowed to interrupt the meetings or ask any questions but they are welcome to observe.

The main difference? The directors are more civil towards each other and tend to follow proper meeting procedures.

top   contents   chapter   previous   next